Happy Saturday, bookworms. For the first time in weeks, Boston isn’t under a cloud of oppressive heat. So you can bet I’m going to take full advantage of my balcony and curl up with a good book. Why don’t you curl up with this week’s book news?

The longlist for the 2010 Man Booker Prize was announced this week. These 13 authors will soon be winnowed down to about six and, from that smaller selection will come a winner. The Man Booker Prize is given to the best full-length novel written in English by a citizen of the Commonwealth Nations, Ireland, and/or Zimbabwe. Hilary Mantel’s little-big book that could, Wolf Hall, took home the prize in 2009.

Put your thinking caps on, because Daniel Craig is going to need a Lisbeth to his Mikael. Casting is underway for the U.S. film adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s The Girl with Dragon Tattoo and 007 Daniel Craig has been tapped to play the lead role of investigative journalist Mikael Blomkvist. There’s no word yet on which actress will tackle the role of Lisbeth Salander, but rumor has it that it will be someone fairly unknown.

I know you probably won’t admit it in public, but secretly, it’s happened to all of us – you’ve cried over a book. It’s okay; LND is a place of trust. On the Publisher’s Weekly ShelfTalker blog, Josie recounts the terribly embarrassing incident of getting caught crying – in public – over a book. I can personally remember a similar experience, during a rather long plane trip, when I decided to re-read Bridge to Terabithia. It took a lot of control to keep those tears in, lest I frighten my seatmate. Oh, and don’t even get me started on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (poor Snape!). Which books make you cry?

Coming on the heels of her very successful, month-long group read of Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Laurel Ann of Austenprose is set to tackle Georgette Heyer next. Starting tomorrow, and lasting throughout the month of August, Austenprose will celebrate the wonders of one of the premiere historical romance authors. The read-along will feature reviews of her books, as well as fun facts and give-aways. Don’t forget to check it out!

File this under “don’t make the obvious joke:” the Pope is apparently going to write a children’s book. Friends of Jesus will presumably deal with the 12 Apostles, who were indeed friends of Jesus (except for Judas – he was kinda mean). The book will be published in Italian, Spanish and English and will most likely be available anywhere there are Catholics.

Finally, to end the week, two things that will have you shouting “Thank you, LND!” First up, Jane Austen’s Fight Club, created by Mormons (I know, I was surprised too.) Second, quite possibly the most adorable picture of a baby ever. I think the Harry Potter glasses are a nice touch. You’re welcome.